Patient Undergoes Prostatectomy After Pathology Lab Misplaces Samples

Case Overview

This case takes place in Indiana and involves an older male who underwent a digital rectal exam and subsequently a biopsy for suspected prostate cancer. The biopsy sample was sent to the defending pathology lab. The patient was referred to an oncologist who could not determine definitively by looking at the pathology report whether or not the mass on the patient’s prostate was malignant. As a precaution, he underwent a prostatectomy. It was later discovered that the lab had misplaced the majority of the original tissue samples. Since all the tissue samples were exhausted, and the last sample was inconclusive, the oncologist could not fully determine the correct course of management.

Questions to the Pediatrics expert and their responses

Do you test and evaluate these types of tissue samples?

I frequently test and evaluate tissue samples for specimens, including biopsies.

Please discuss your background in securing and managing tissue samples.

I have extensive experience in securing and managing tissue samples. At my present practice, we work with surgical centers and 8 different hospitals send us specimens.

Please tell us why you're qualified to serve as an expert reviewer of this case.

I trained in surgical pathology at Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital and serve as chairman of the Tumor Board at a fairly large hospital. I also serve on the Cancer Committee, and I am Chair of Pathology at the hospital. I have a PhD in Pathology for work done at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Given my background, I am knowledgeable about the clinical aspects of the case in addition to being well-versed to standards of care and operating procedures for pathologists.

About the expert

This highly qualified and board-certified pathologist received his M.D. and Ph.D. in Pathology at the University of Washington School of Medicine (UW). He went on to complete a residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at Harvard Medical School and UW, as well as a Fellowship in Dermatopathology at UW. This expert is board-certified in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, and Dermatopathology. He has published 20+ Publications in peer reviewed journals and is on the peer review committee for the American Society of Dermatopathology. Past posts have included the Medical Director at Wrangell Medical Center Laboratory. Currently, he is an Attending Pathologist at an independent practice and the Chair of the Tumor Board, Chairman of Pathology, and Medical Director at a major hospital.